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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



if 111 I If ill liSii 1 

014 367 339 A* 






The BEAUTIFUL CAVERNS of LURAY 




LURAY, 
VIRGINIA 



In the 

Shenandoah 

Valley 

Three Miles 

of 

Subterranean 

Splendor 

Brilliantly 
Lighted 

b y. . 

Electricity 



SEE 

AMERICA 

FIRST 



'(.'HE BALL ROU.M 



v- 



A -A 






SIDE TRIP FROM WASHINGTON, D. C. 

Visitors to the NATIONAL CAPITAL can arrange a trip by rail to the Luray Caverns with small outlay 
of money or time. 

The route lies through grounds of great beauty and historic interest. 

Detailed information can be had at Norfolk & Western Railway Ticket Office. 1410 New York Avenue, 
or Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Ticket Office, Fifteenth and New York Avenue. N. W. 

AUTOMOBILE TOUR. 

THE VALLEY TURNPIKE — a toll road — through Winchester to Staunton, Virginia, is one of the best 
long stretches of road in the country. Turning east at New Market and crossing the Massanutten Mountain, 
it is only fourteen miles to Luray. 

The scenery rivals that in Switzerland. And while most of the road over the mountain is good, none of it 
is impossible to a good car. It is one of the finest trips in the country for motorists. 

The landscape is not surpassed by any scenery in America. Several thousand people visit the Cave by this 
road every year. Cars drive right to the Cave House, which is fitted with Rest Room, Toilet Rooms and 
every convenience for the comfort of visitors. No change of clothing required. Ordinary street wear is all 
the visitor needs. 

There are only a few Caves in the world that are lighted by Electricity. Of these Luray Cave is very much 
the largest and also the most beautiful. It is probably true that Luray Cave has mure visitors each year than 
all other Caves in the United States combined. 

"No one has traveled wisely who has not seen the Beautiful Caverns of Luray." 

This page is published for information only. No railroad or turnpike corporation is financially interested 
in the Caverns, and owners of the Caverns have no interest in any railroad or turnpike. 



"t- 



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"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan 

A stately pleasure-dome decree. 
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran 
Through caverns measureless to man, 

Down to a sunless sea." 

SITUATED at Luray, Page County, Virginia, in the famous Shenandoah Valley, on the line 
of the Norfolk & Western Railway, in a region renowned for picturesque scenery, and cele- 
brated for its historical associations, are the 

CAVERNS The caves were discovered in 1878, and shortly thereafter were opened to 

OF LURAY the public. Their great extent was not then known, or e.ven dreamed of ; 
and not until thoroughly equipped exploring parties had penetrated seem- 
ingly endless chambers and labyrinthine passages were their boundless riches disclosed and made 
accessible to visitors. Since that time the fame of the Caverns has penetrated the uttermost parts 
of the earth. 

Within the past few years the number of visitors has been enormous. Persons from all quar- 
ters of the globe — scientists, explorers, and tourists — have wandered through the wonderful cham- 
bers, and the general verdict of their united testimony is that Luray Caverns excel all others in the 
combined extent, variety, scientific interest, and beauty of their calcite formations. A party sent 
out from the Smithsonian Institution reports that. "Comparing this great natural curiosity with 
others of the -same class it is safe to say there is probably no other cave in the world more com- 




ENTRANCE AVENUE. 



pletely and profusely decorated with stalactitic and stalagmitic ornamentation than that of Luray." 
Recognizing the inestimable value of their remarkable possession, the management of the 
Caverns has provided every facility for visitors to see all the wonders in the most comfortable 
manner. Cement walks have been laid, stairways, bridges, and iron railings have been erected 
where such help was necessary, and the entire route through this subterranean palace is illu- 
minated by brilliant electric lights. The interior is singularly free from dampness or dripping 
water, and no special preparation for the visit is needed in the matter of clothing. Plain cloth- 
ing and stout shoes comprise the necessary outfit, wraps being superfluous, as the temperature 
remains, winter and summer, at about 54 degrees. The atmosphere is not oppressive, on the con- 
trary it is singularly exhilarating and delightful. 

IN THE Entering the grand vestibule, the first emotion felt by the visitor is one 

FAIRY REALM of mute wonder. The mind fails to grasp the grandeur revealed in such a 
majestic manner, until it gradually accustoms itself to the fantastic shapes, 
the almost perceptible silence and the weird influence of this subterranean realm. Queer shapes 
present themselves at every turn, aping grotesquely the objects of the outer world, now suggesting 
some growth of animal life, now resembling some familiar vegetable formation, or taking the shape 
and form of some creation of man. Glittering stalactites blaze in front, fluted columns, draperies in-, 
broad folds, and a thousand tints, cascades of snow-white stone, illuminated by the glare of the, 
electric light, fill the mind with curious sensations of wonder and admiration. Awe and reverence 
possess the beholder. He stands amazed in the royal chambers of the King of Nature. 




APPROACH TO BALL ROOM. 



Various apartments and objects have been named in honor of some distinguished personage 
or after some thing to which they bear a striking resemblance. 

The Elfin Ramble, an open plateau nearly four hundred feet long by one hundred and twenty- 
five in breadth, is the playground of the princesses of this fairy realm. Pluto's Chasm, a wide 
rift in the walls, contains a spectre clothed in shadowy draperies. Hovey's Hall is adorned with 
statuary and stalactite draperies, which, for beauty of coloring, translucency and symmetrical fold- 
ing, are unexcelled by anything in the cave. Giant's Hall is a vast space, embracing several cham- 
bers. Heroic sentinel forms loom up on every side, guarding the marvelous beauty of Titania's 
Veil, and watching over the crystal waters of Diana's Bath. The Saracen's Tent, the Cathedral, 
with its grand organ, and the Bridal Chamber, all bear striking resemblance to the objects for which 
they are named. Hades, a region sparkling with limpid lakes and peopled with goblins, receives its 
name from the bewildering windings and labyrinthine meanderings through which the tourist must 
tread his way. Notwithstanding its uninviting name, it is a very attractive portion of the cave and 
contains many wonderful formations. The Ball Room, a magnificent apartment, gorgeously fur- 
nished, is full of interest, while Campbell's Hall, named for the discoverer of the cave, is rich in 
beautiful and enchanting ornamentation. 

SILVER * n Edition t0 tne son 'd formations of stone and crystal, a number of beautiful 

T AKFS lakes are found in various parts of the caves. 

Crystal Lake is a body of pellucid water in a setting of sparkling stalactites, 
and the Imperial Spring is a silver pool richly enclosed in a forest of columns. It is arched above 
with myriads of stalactites, reflected with most beautiful effect in the calm flood of the spring. 

5 




FISH MARKET. 



The transparent waters of these lakes are so deceptive that rash visitors have been known to subject 
themselves to a wetting in order to convince their skeptical minds of the genuineness of the fluid. 
No other caverns arc known in which there can be found such an infinite variety of quaint, 
curious, and wonderful formations. Almost every object in nature is here reproduced in startling 
similarity, while the curious shapes and indescribable grouping of thousands of others seem to be 
the handiwork of Nature in a playful mood. Fantastic, grotesque, beautiful, weird, grand, and 
superb, are words which find expression on the lips of every one who gazes upon the treasures of 
this "house not made with hands." 

LATER During the winter of 1897 and 1898 new portions of this underground 

EXPLORATIONS wonder, heretofore unexplored, were opened and made accessible to visi- 
tors. 

In this newly developed section the high arching and richly ornamented domes found in other 
parts of the Caverns are a leading attraction, but the decorations of those here found are unique 
and surpass any previously discovered. Instead of the chandelier effect, with its bewildering and 
glittering array of translucent pendants which characterize the ceiling of the Ball Room, Giant's 
Hall and others, the surface here is a mosaic of rich patches in form like seaweed and coral, but 
in varied hues, from rich seal brown and deep salmon to the most delicate tint of rose. 

These formations, appearing at close intervals, are massed in a brilliant mosaic by great waves 
of frothy white and cream, like the foam of the ocean tossed and whirled by the waves. Sur- 
mounting all this rich ornamentation that bids defiance to works of Art, are exquisite flutings of 
the richest and most delicate order, in pearly white and cream. 

7 




OVERLOOKING SKELETON GOPGE. 



Under the brilliant rays of the electric light, the effect of this rich blending of color is far 
grander than that of the most magnificent sunset the upper earth has ever known. 

These "Senate Halls of Nature" can be compared to no work of man's hand. The finest work 
of Art would he a mute and baffled mimicry in the review of such intricate and gorgeous or- 
namentation. 

Objects of the outer world are represented in these newly discovered chambers as in hereto- 
fore explored portions of the Caverns. 

In strange defiance to the laws of Nature and Geography, from the side of one of the domes 
found here pours the cataract of Niagara, and only a few feet distant is the Yosemite represented, 
with its three equidistant leaps in snowy crystals. 

The "Golden Apples of Hesperides" are wonderfully presented and give variety to the rich- 
ness of this wonderful cabinet of Nature. 

The "Labyrinth of Perseus" is also tangibly manifested with the figure of "Ariadne" standing 
near its entrance in the supposed possession of the guiding "Thread." 

The figure of the "Petrified Forest" is well sustained in a collection of stalagmites resembling 
a stunted growth. This is in many places broken, distinctly showing the successive rings and 
grain of wood in the miniature trees. 

9 




THK NATURAL BRIDGE. 



This forest extends into the "Labyrinth of Perseus." Tim- white forms adjacent are supposed 
to represent the "Babes in the Wood," fixed in stony and unrelieved terror. 

A formation of striking distinctness and beauty thrown out upon a dark background, is a tall, 
white figure standing immediately over the smaller ones. This is supposed to sustain the character 
of the "Guardian Angel." 

Columns grand and beautiful, and pieces representing statuary, both in bronze and marble, are 
abundantly interspersed through this new section, which, is also especially rich in the multitude, 
size, and magnificence of its voluminous draperies, which enclose the entire section on either side. 
In many of these the waving effect, instead of the perpendicular fall, is strikingly distinguishable. 

These new discoveries are equal to anything yet known in the Luray Caverns. 

CONCLU- It is a task of recognized difficulty to describe the indescribable. This difficulty 

SION is enhanced, if possible, in the case of cave scenery by the fact that the impressions 
it leaves upon the mind of the beholder differ not so much in degree as in kind 
from those of past experience. A new order of sensations, ideas and emotions demands, of course, 
a new vocabulary. Xo straining or expansion of a terminology derived from the upper world will 
enable it to describe adequately the wonderful phenomena presented in this realm of Stalacta. The 
visitor who attempts description must be content, therefore, with seeking to impart enthusiasm 
without hoping to trace fully its causes. This only will remain clearly understood — the felicity of 
having experienced a sensation altogether novel. 

The Persian monarch's desire — a new pleasure — is secured at length to the world in the Cav- 
erns of Luray. 

11 




UKGAN AND CHIMES IN CATHEDRAL. 



HOW THE CAVERNS WERE DISCOVERED 



<TTHE BEAUTIFUL CAVERNS OF LURAY are formed under a great hill in Page Valley. This hill has 
^i" an elevation of about 1,200 feet above sea level; and rises about 200 feet above the surrounding valley. 
It has been known as '"Cave Hill" from an early day. because of a smaller cave variously called "Ruffner's 
Cave" or "The Old Cave." which has been known since pioneer times. 

Mr. Andrew Campbell and Mr. Benton Stebbins, of Luray, became convinced from the structure of Cave 
Hill and certain geological evidences that a larger cave might exist under Cave Hill. Accordingly, in 1878, 
inviting Mr. William Campbell, also of Luray, to join them, they began a careful exploration of the surface of 
the hill. After much search, in an old sinkhole, or depression, among briars and fragments of stone, they 
found a place where cool air came through the crevices in the rock, escaping into the warmer outside at- 
mosphere. They correctly judged this to be an indication of a cavity underneath containing a body of air 
cooled to earth temperature. At this point they dug until they opened into a fissure large enough to permit 
entrance. Mr. Andrew Campbell was lowered \y a rope into the dark and mysterious Chambers of Silence. 
When finally he found a foothold and looked about him, his dim candle revealed unexpected splendors, and 
he knew that their dream had come true. This was August 13. 1878. Then followed patient and long-con- 
tinued explorations, until nearly three miles of underground passage was discovered. 

The Caverns consist of many large rooms, connected by natural corridors, or passageways. These do not 
lie in a straightaway course, but radiate from a central space. A small map of the Cave looks something like 
the web of a spider. Yet the tour requires almost no retracing of steps. The route is continuous, though cir- 
cuitous, after leaving Entrance Hall. 

Those who wish to study these Caverns from a scientific point will find material information in any of the 
principal encyclopedias, under "Luray Caverns." We also suggest a book entitled "Celebrated American Cav- 
erns." by H. H. Hovey, published by Clark & Sons, Cincinnati. Doctor Hovey is a recognized authority upon 
the subject of caverns, and has made special study of the Caverns of Luray. 

13 



PLEASE READ ALL THIS PAGE CAREFULLY TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDINGS 



TERMS OF ADMISSION TO LURAY CAVERNS 



Open even* day — including Sunday — all the year. 

For each person, at 8.30 a.m. or 2 p.m 1 SO 

For each person, at 7 p.m. or 9 p.m •_ • • - 1 - 

Regular Hours of Admission 8.30 a.m., 2 p.m., / p.m., and 9 p.m. 

SPECIAL HOURS.— When admission is desired at other hours than above named, we 
will accommodate if Guides are not all engaged. But the charge for admission will he 5U 
cents more for each person for Special Hours. 

The Caverns are fitted with electric lights. But it costs as much to light them as to light the 
streets of a considerable town, because of the length of the tour. For parties of six or more making the 
tour in company, the electric lights, if desired, will be furnished without extra charge, but tor parties 
numbering less" than six. the Caverns will be shown by candles. If, however, such small parties desire 
electric lights they will be required to pay, besides price of admission, an extra cnarge as iollows . 

Electric Light for One Person $2.03 Extra 

Electric Light for Two Persons POO Each, Extra 

Electric Light for Three or Four Persons 50c. Each, Extra 

Electric Light for Five Persons 25c. Each, Extra 

Above charges include the service of guides, and will secure even- necessary attention. Please re- 
member that employees do not make these prices. Nor have they power to change them. 

Excellent Modern Hotel accommodations can be had at several Luray Hotels at Moderate Kates. 
The entrance to the Caverns is about one mile distant from the Norfolk & Western Railway Station, 
where busses meet all trains. 

For any further information, or assistance that can be rendered to visitors, address 

LURAY CAVERNS CORPORATION, Luray, Va. 

14 



READY REFERENCE ROUTES TO THE LURAY CAVERNS 



FROM 



New York • • ■ 
Philadelphia ■ 
Wilmington ■ 
Baltimore 



Washington • • 
Harpers Ferry 
Cumberland •■ 

Wheeling 

Pittsburgh -■•• 



New Orleans . 

Meridian 

Birmingham . 
Chattanooga ■ 
Knoxville 

Memphis 

Corinth 

Huntsville - • - 



Richmond 

Old Point Comfort ■ 
Fortress Monroe ■■• 



Cincinnati 

Columbus, Ohio 



i 

1 
j 

1 
J 



I 



Via Royal Blue Line, 

Washington and 

Shenandoah Valley Rente 



Via Baltimore & Ohio R. R. 

and 
Shenandoah Valley Route 



Via Queen & Crescent Route, 

Southern Ry, and 

Shenandoah Valley Route 



Via Southern Ry. 

and 

Shenandoah Valley Route 

Via Chesapeake & Ohio Ry. 

and 
Shenandoah Valley Route 

Via Norfolk & Western Ry. 
Shenandoah Valley Route 



Portsmouth, Ohio 
Ken ova. W. Va. ■• 

Louisville, Ky. 



New York • • ■ 
Philadelphia ■ 

Elmira 

Williamsport- 
Harrisbnrg. ■• 
Hagerstown . 



Baltimore and • 

Pen Mar 

Via Hagerstown 



Jacksonville 
Savannah ■ ■ 
Charleston • 
Augusta - •• 
Columbus ■ . 



Atlanta 

Charlotte 

Danville 

Lynchburg 

Charlottesville ■ 



} 



Via Norfolk & Western Ry. 
Shenandoah Valley Route 



Via Pennsylvania R. R. 
Cumberland Valley R. R. 

and 
Shenandoah Valley Route 



Via Western Maryland R. R. 

and 

Shenandoah Valley Route 

Via Atlantic Coast Line 

or Southern Ry. 

Chesapeake & Ohio Ry. 

and 

Shenandoah Valley Route 



Via Southern Ry. 
Chesapeake .V Ohio Ry- 
an d 
Shenandoah Valley Route 



PULLMAN VESTIBULED SLEEPERS AND COACHES ON ALL THROUGH TRAINS 

Excursion Tickets are Sold by all Railroads and Steamship Lines to the Luray Caverns 

Straight one-way and Excursion Tickets allow stop-over at Luray within final limit. 

The scenery through the "Shenandoah Valley" and adjacent to the Caverns of Luray is ntagnificent, and second to no 
other section in the world. 



15 



ACCOMMODATIONS FOR TRAVELLERS 

/"f¥()(JD HOTELS and boarding houses with all modern conveniences can be had in Luray. 
\tr None better in any town in the Valley of Virginia, probably. Xo other town in the Val- 
ley entertains so many world-wide travelers. 

Not far from twenty thousand persons visited Luray last year. These were from all parts 
of the civilized world. To entertain this throng of people keeps our hotels and boarding houses 
on the alert to please. And gives them a wide and valuable experience. Any visitor may rely on 
finding a place adapted to his taste or his means. 

Luray is also a popular resort, especially in summer, because of its high altitude and cool 
nights, and its unrivaled splendor of land-cape and. sky. 

The following is a list of licensed Hotels and Boarding Houses in Luray. For rates address 
those whose names here appear : 

H. B. Mims, Laurance Hotel, Luray, Va. Thomas Clooney, Clooney Hotel, Luray, Va. 

H. T. Mims, Mansion Inn, Luray, Va. Mrs. Ella Long, Boarding House, Luray, Va. 



For Ready Reference, Railroad Routes, see page 16. For List of Hotels and Boarding 

For Terms of Admission, see page 14. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

Hi III il lilll :||i III hi 



014 367 339 fl • 



66 



NORFOLK & WESTERN RAILWAY 

The Shenandoah Valley Route 

Between the North and South 

Via New York. Philadelphia. Harrisburg, Luray, Natural Bridge. Roanoke. Bristol. 



99 



Through Pullman Sleeping Car Line, New York and Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Philadelphia and Gary.W.Va. 

Summer and Winter Excursion Tickets to Luray on sale at all Principal Points. 
Stop-over Allowed at Luray Caverns on all Through Tickets. 

OFFICES 

1245 Broadway New York Cor. Gay and High Streets Columbus, Ohio 

294 Washington Street Boston Banking and Trust Budding. . ..Knoxville, Tenn. 

107 E. Baltimore Street Baltimore 45 East Fourth Street .Cincinnati Ohio 

1419 \\w Y, .rk Avenue Washington 838 Main Street Rich monc . Virginia 

Hamilton National Bank Building. . .Chattanooga 223 ( iranby Street ..Norfolk, Virginia 

722 Main Street Lynchburg. Virginia 

W. B. BEVILL, Passenger Traffic Manager W. C. SAUNDERS. General Passenger Agent 

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 



THIS BOOK IS FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION. IT WILL BE MAILED TO ANY ADDRESS UPON 
APPLICATION. ANY ATTEMPT TO SELL IT IS AN IMPOSITION ON THE PUBLIC. 

Luray Caverns Corporation, Luray, Virginia. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 367 339 A 



Conservation Resources 
Lig-Free® Type I 
Ph 8.5, Buffered 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 367 339 A 



\ 



Conservation Resources 
Lig-Free® Type I 
Ph 8.5, Buffered 



